The Elim Connection, December 2022

A COMMUNITY NEW
TIS THE SEASON
OF FELLOWSHIP
ISSUE 17 WINTER 2022
A UNIQUE CHRISTIAN
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

FROM THE EDITOR
I’ll let you in on a little secret; I always write this
“From the Editor” at the very end, after everything
else for The Connection is finished. I print out the
near-complete edition and, with a coffee in hand, I
read it cover to cover. Only then do I evaluate the
space I’ve been drawn into; what am I left thinking
about? How do I feel?
Photos taken at the 2022 Health
& Wellness Fair. This year's theme was
Love Your Neighbour, Love Yourself.
See page 10 to learn more.
At the end of this 17th edition, what I feel is
encouragement. The journey of life is not an easy
one, yet enclosed here are accounts of remarkable
living—of people overcoming hardship and
demonstrating intentional, purposeful living both
in action and in mindset. For many, a deep faith
informs such an approach to life, which makes it
particularly fitting to have ‘the reason for the season’
interwoven throughout.
Many thanks to the resident and staff participants
of this wonderful edition, without whom this
publication would not be whole. Enjoy the read; I
trust you’ll find yourself encouraged by the end.
Katrina LaRoy,
Brand & Communications Manager
WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 3

LIFE AT
ELIM VILLAGE
A snapshot of the last few months, with community highlights from Elim Village Fleetwood (FW), including
Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), and Full Care (FC), and Elim Village Garrison Crossing (GC).
A FESTIVE TIME
FOR FELLOWSHIP
This year’s Artisan Christmas
Market was nothing short of
amazing. Crowds filled the parking
lot before doors opened at 10am,
and once they did, The Oasis
building came to life! Residents,
family members, staff, and the
public were warmly welcomed.
It was a treat watching everyone
come together to support local
vendors, catch-up over coffee, and
hum a few tunes while getting an
early start to Christmas shopping.
FIVE, SIX,
SEVEN, EIGHT!
Legs were kickin’ and hips were
swingin’ at the inaugural linedancing
events held at Elim Village
Fleetwood this fall for IL. For
some, the events brought back
fond memories, and for others it
was a completely new experience.
“It was my first time line-dancing,”
shares resident, Dorothy Tsang,
“And it was fun! It’s good for your
body and legs, and it's a great way
to gather as a community.” Thanks
for joining us, partner!
A VERY MERRY
CHRISTMAS MARKET
This year’s Emerald Christmas
Market hit record sales! Over
$2,600—about $1,000 more than
the normal amount of proceeds—
will be donated to the Surrey
Food Bank and their Tiny Bundle
program, which supports new
moms and babies in need in our
community. We are extra grateful
for the residents who spent hours
knitting and sewing in preparation
for this wonderful event!
THE TOVER-WHAT?
The Tovertafel! Also known as
a magic table, this new resource
is sparking a lot of questions.
Located on the third floor of the
Harrison West, a Full Care building
in Fleetwood, the Tovertafel is a
projector that shines images down
onto a table, allowing residents to
interact with various objects and
play fun games—either as a team
or on their own. This fabulous tool
supports resident wellbeing.
A HALLOWEEN
HURRAH!
Candy, costumes, and a pumpkin
or two—Halloween is anticipated
by many, but most especially
by children. And this year, over
500 kids from Woodland Park
Elementary walked around the
Full Care buildings at Fleetwood!
As the children showed off their
costumes, they waved at residents
who watched the parade from
balconies and bedroom windows.
What a sweet treat!
REMEMBRANCE
DAY DINNER
Honouring Remembrance Day is
top of mind for both Elim Village
communities. A special ceremony
took place in Assisted Living, and
members from the SFU Pipeband
marched around the Fleetwood
campus, skirling their bagpipes for
all to hear in acknowledgment of
all those who have fallen. At Elim
Village Garrison Crossing, resident
Veterans received a complimentary
meal at the Alpine Bistro in The
Hawthorn, as a way to show
our appreciation, respect, and
gratitude. Lest we forget.
HOP ON!
The University of the Fraser Valley
recently teamed up with our
Garrison Crossing community to
provide tri-shaw rides. “It was a
blast!” Hawthorn resident, Grace
Lachapelle, shares. “Lois and I had
lots of giggles!” Before jumping on
the tri-shaw, Grace hadn’t met her
neighbour Lois yet. But the two
bonded over the fun experience,
took in the beautiful sights of the
Vedder River together, and even
reconnected afterwards. “It was a
lovely afternoon,” says Grace, “I
would do it again!”
A wise visitor stopped by Elim Village
Fleetwood in recent weeks. Photo by
IL resident, Clarence Bishop.
LIGHT UP
THE VILLAGES!
The week leading up to December
kicked-off the holiday season at
ELIM. For the first time, Garrison
Crossing held a “Light Up the
Village” event on November 29!
There were Christmas carols, a
gingerbread house contest, and a
pair of violinists who set the mood
perfectly. What a treat! And on
December 1st, Fleetwood held
its own event. The campus was
covered with a fresh blanket of
snow (thanks to our first winter
storm!) which made for a beautiful
sight. Residents gathered to listen
to the Surrey Christian School
Choir sing beautiful Christmas
tunes. And before heading outside
to see the village covered in lights,
attendees also enjoyed a hot
cup of cocoa and freshly baked
cookies. See page 18 for photos
from these two events!
4 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2022 WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 5

THE KING WAS HERE – IN THE BARN
WRITTEN BY
VERN GLEDDIE,
RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
Vern & Wilma Gleddie moved to Elim Village
Fleetwood in December 2019. They were formerly
sheep farmers in Southern Alberta. For many years,
Vern wrote for a local publication, and the story below
was published in 1998. While fictitious, the names are
real, and the setting inspired by their sheep ranch.
From the comfort of our farm home the family
came spilling out into the December dark all
cloaked, muffled and wondering. With some
difficulty, my wife and I had kept secret a plan to
give our tribe, now numbering 13 and two more
on the way, a special feeling of the atmosphere of
the first Christmas. This would be in a real barn
redolent with stable smells and with farm animals in
silent cud-chewing contentment.
Usually I am uncomfortable with the many layers
of wrappings around Christmas in our part of
the world. The seasonal bundle is exhausting
to produce, tends to exist for its own purposes
rather than relating to the original event, and when
unwrapped often leaves us with a let-down feeling.
Yet, particularly for the young and impressionable,
the occasion is pregnant with possibilities for
memorable influence.
We set out on our journey, boots crunching the
snow. Beyond the yard light, stars twinkled overhead
and we lit our own star and carried it in front of us
on the end of a long pole. As the “star” pushed back
the dark we followed, singing “We Three Kings of
Orient Are.” The clues to our secret were becoming
pretty obvious. But we trudged on past various
lamb pens and haystacks, wending our way among
a collection of buildings which, in the shadow, could
have been a darkened village.
There was nothing regal about our procession,
though royalty we are in God’s Kingdom: five-yearold
Rachel, half-scared by the dark, trusting but
asking myriad questions: Olivia, one-and-a-half-year
old fully taxed; uncles making little jokes shushed by
their spouses. The few of us in on the secret kept
everyone moving. Blaze, the dog, and three cats
completed the entourage.
When we reached our destination, the wandering
star was planted outside where its light could
shine through a window into the barn. Through
the opened top of the Dutch door we could see
reflected on the walls the flickering glow of the
flames of a small fire. Inside, features softly lit by the
fire were a few sheep, a miniature donkey borrowed
for the occasion, and a cow with her calf born out
of season a month previous. It was she, with her
new calf bedded in straw on the snow, that had
given us the idea for this adventure.
All eyes were drawn back to the fire, and there
in the shadows was a mother quietly sitting with
her baby. A gasp of surprise and recognition came
from Rachel who knows the Christmas story. The
significance was intensified when she saw that it was
her own mother and new baby brother, Matthew.
We all knew that Jesus’ arrival into the world was as
a baby into just such a place: damp, cold, dirty, dark
and smelly, but it helped to use all of our senses
to take it in. Neither we nor any other human,
including God’s own chosen people Israel, could
conceive of the King of kings entering the world in
such ignoble circumstances. Words failed us as we
stood there, but the wonder of how God works
was expressed well enough for the moment by
singing “Away In a Manger.”
I’m not sure how successful was our surprise. Some
people aren’t easily surprised. But I myself had an
unanticipated realization. In my own family that
evening in the barn, the Old and New Testaments
came together. Rachel was there, whose namesake
was an important ancestor of Jesus. And Isaiah was
there, sharing the name of a famous Old Testament
herald of Jesus’ coming. And the baby in the manger,
though not named Jesus, was Matthew, the name of
one of Jesus’ disciples.
The significance of our grandchildrens’ names
suddenly hit me. Generation after generation God
fulfils his purposes, and the promise is to a thousand
generations of those who love him and keep his
commandments. Christmas is the always relevant
celebration of the advent of Jesus our Saviour.
6 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2022
WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 7

I'M NOT DONE YET
WRITTEN BY
RACHEL HOFFOS, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
When I first met Norm Fowler, we were
admiring the recently upgraded pond at Elim
Village Fleetwood. “Did you know the bridge
lights up?” I remember him asking. “I don’t
know how they think of such wonderful things!”
Norm was mesmerized by the creative detail
that went into the project. It got us
talking about art, and I soon
learned that Norm loves to
paint in his Full Care room in
the Harrison West. From
that day on I knew Norm
as an artist, but only later
discovered what he was
known for throughout
most of his life—being
an engineer.
It’s common to associate
yourself with your work. I
mean, when the average person
spends approximately 90,000 hours
working in their life (gulp!), how could
you not? It makes me wonder… what happens
to that identity when you retire? And in the
decades following? Does that connection to
your work fade away? Little did I know, Norm
would help me unpack this.
Since retiring, Norm stumbled upon a new
hobby to keep him busy. Plastered on his
bedroom walls and piled high on his nightstand,
dresser, and every other object that doubles
as a countertop, are stacks of coloured paper
with thick, swirls of paint—all similar, yet
individually unique. “This came to me
by accident,” he shares, “I had no
interest in art before retiring.”
Around the age of 60,
Norm suffered a lifealtering
stroke, leaving
him paralyzed on one
side and forcing him to
retire from his career as
a chief engineer. With the
help of his then-girlfriend,
Lois, Norm re-learned
many things we often take for
granted, like the ability to speak.
Challenging days still come and go,
but as Norm says, “I’m only 83, I’m not
done yet!” And he truly embodies this.
When Norm isn’t an artist, spattering hues of
paint on paper and shaking them around until
they marbleize, he’s an explorer. Sometimes he
zooms around campus in his electric wheelchair,
other times he ventures to the Dollarama off
Fraser Highway. He’s even learned the bus
system so he can visit Guildford Mall—to pick up
more paint of course. And when Norm isn’t an
artist or an explorer, he’s a friend.
“Everyone suffers from something, so I make sure
to say hello to my neighbours,” he says, “A smile
back is enough for me.” Norm also looks forward
to his daily calls with Lois. After all these years,
they’ve maintained their close friendship, just as
much as Norm maintains being an avid reader.
BEHIND
THE COVER
A few hours a day, his nose can be found
buried in a mystery novel or scrolling through
a library of free books on his computer. And
when Norm isn’t chatting about the latest
book he’s read, he’s an engineer recounting
fond memories.
You see, after retiring Norm’s purpose
didn’t fade away—it multiplied and became
multi-faceted. Along with being a successful
engineer, Norm is an artist, an explorer, a
friend, and a bookworm. And you better
believe he’s not done adding to this list either!
Click, clack, click, clack. “That’s not an Elimite,” thought Darrel.
He was in the building parkade of The Carmanah at Elim Village
Fleetwood, sweeping stalls and keeping things tidy. Accustomed
to muffled shoes, shuffles, and the occasional sound of walkers
and canes, the click clack of heels was notable. He turned
around and caught a glimpse of a woman en route to the
concert being held that night in The Oasis. “Must be a resident’s
daughter,” he thought.
Darrel soon learned this ‘resident’s daughter’ was, in fact, a
resident herself, and they had actually lived in the same building
for two years! While Darrel doesn’t recall seeing Marga before
that night, suddenly she was everywhere in the subsequent
weeks. “We clicked,” said Marga, remembering their first stroll
together (dare we say ‘date’?) during Light Up the Village in
2017. Their wedding followed in February 2019.
Finding a life partner is not a reason why people move into
retirement communities, and it was certainly an unexpected turn
of events for Darrel & Marga. We wish them every happiness.
8 THE ELIM CONNECTION SUMMER 2022
WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 9

2022 HEALTH &
WELLNESS FAIR
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
WRITTEN BY
ALVIN KLASSEN, RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
On a Friday morning in October, The Oasis at Elim Village Fleetwood was
the site of a large gathering of residents (including a bus load from Garrison
Crossing), friends, and neighbours. Event speakers Patricia Morgan, Nicola
Bartel, and Angela Doell gave cogent advice related to the event’s theme
of Love Your Neighbour, Love Yourself.
Alvin Klassen at the
Health & Wellness Fair
Patricia gave a humorous, animated, and captivating presentation teaching
us to laugh at our aging selves and encouraging us to take healthy action
steps towards resilient aging. Nicola Bartel encouraged us to be good
Samaritans and presented on two organizations that provide opportunities
to give and receive love (Mercy Canada and NightShift Street Ministries).
Pastor Angela of Relate Church offered pastoral advice to reach out and
be a community person: be curious, ask questions, be conversational and lead
with your ears!
In addition to the speakers was a lunch break with sandwiches, finger food,
and a myriad of sweets. It was also a time of renewing old acquaintances
and making new friends. In the afternoon, attendees were treated to a
beautiful musical duet of a pianist and violinist and for a bit of fun, there
was also a fabulous fashion show, presented by Malary’s Fashion Network.
The show featured a wide variety of fashion garments modelled by both
professional models and our very own Elim models!
All attendees left with an increased wellness of soul and spirit.
DID YOU KNOW?
50% of those aged 75+ have hearing loss, which
can lead to isolation. Patricia shared this, encouraging
attendees to be purposeful in loving their neighbour.
Who can you be purposeful with?
NIDCD (2021). Quick statistics about hearing. National Institute of Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
SUZANNE
My name is
Suzanne, and
I’ve worked at Elim Village Fleetwood since July
2017 as the Volunteer Coordinator. I love working
at ELIM and aspire to be a friendly, approachable,
positive team member. It’s important to me to
help create inclusive environments for residents,
families, volunteers, and staff. I always want to be
helpful and upbeat, helping out wherever I can.
One thing I love about working here is how
everyone smiles at you. No one knew me on my
very first day, and yet everyone was so friendly and
smiled at me! I also love the teamwork and the
opportunity to work with wonderful people every
day. With residents, I love how you share your
life stories and past experiences, reminding us to
learn from the past, live in the moment, and look
forward to the future. You’ve also shown me that
you can give back to your community at any age.
Outside of work, I’m a mom of three and a Nana
to five. I’ve been married to my best friend for 34
years and we love travelling together. My home
is multi-generational with four generations living
under one roof—what a blessing! I also recently
learned how to ride a motorcycle, so if you see a
Can-Am Spyder (three-wheel motorcycle) around
the village, that’s me!!
SUMAN
Hello! I’m Suman. I just
passed my four-year mark
working at Elim Village Fleetwood. I started off in
The Emerald Assisted Living before coming out to
work in Independent Living. I work as a Wellness
Assistant with Community Life.
When I think about what is special about ELIM, I
think about how no matter which building I enter
or path I walk, everyone greets me with a big
smile (I promise Suzanne and I did not compare
answers…it must be true if we both said it!) What
I like about working here is that there are so many
stories to hear. Every individual has experienced
and gone through different things before meeting
together here, a place that is home to so many.
If we get the chance to meet (and maybe we
already have), I hope you’ll find me easy to
approach. That way if you need help, you’ll feel
comfortable enough to reach out (so please do!)
In my spare time I enjoy cooking and baking. My
go-to cookie is peanut butter chocolate chip (there
shouldn’t be any other cookie in the world—this
one is the most amazing!) I also like to read, spend
time with family and friends and, when able, I go
to the island to visit Oak Bay and Tofino; that’s my
happy place.
WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 11

I LOVE YOU, TOO
WRITTEN BY
RACHEL HOFFOS, STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
As you step into Pat Polowy’s suite, your ears
may be greeted with an array of tranquil music.
“I loved the spa music so much, I came back and
put it on myself!” Pat beams, referring to the
Clearwater Spa in her new home, The Hawthorn.
“I’ve already been to a choir performance, and
chair exercise classes," she says, listing off the
opportunities available in the building, “and I’ve
taken advantage of the hairdresser and getting a
manicure too.”
Before Pat called The Hawthorn ‘home’, she lived
in a similar suite in The Sequoia, an Independent
Living building at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
But as the walls of The Hawthorn went up, Pat
grew more certain that a move to ‘Independent
Plus’ would provide her with the lifestyle she
desired. There was only one thing she had to be
sure of first: that her grandson, Ryley, could easily
find and visit her in her new suite.
Four times a week, Ryley rides a bus from his
middle school to Garrison Crossing, where he
spends a few hours with his grandma while his
parents finish up at work. “It’s a real treasure
getting to see him,” says Pat, “I soak up every
moment I can.”
Like many, family is a pillar in Pat’s life. Over 17
years ago, she lost both her husband, Gordon,
and eldest daughter, Jodi, to cancer—just over
a year apart. “I had five years to say goodbye to
Gordon and do all the things we always wanted to
do…I only had one year with Jodi,” Pat recounts.
“It makes you question, why is this happening?
That is when you need to keep your faith and
know God has a plan for you.” Since then, Pat and
her second daughter, Laura-Lynn, have maintained
a close relationship. It only grew stronger when
Ryley was born—Pat’s first, and only, grandchild.
“He’s a busy boy,” Pat adds, “He goes to drum
lessons, piano, hockey, youth group—oh, and he
is so polite! Always wanting to know everyone’s
name so he can call them by it.” She chuckles
and looks up at her ceiling, as if a million joyful
moments flood her memory.
There is no doubt that life is fragile; Pat, and many
other residents, are far too familiar with this.
It's why Pat cherishes her time with Ryley and
Laura-Lynn, and why she focuses on things that
bring her joy, which is made possible by a lifestyle
where she is well taken care of. And once ELIM’s
staff explained how Ryley could get from the bus
to her new suite, she was even more certain that
a move to The Hawthorn was the right decision.
MYSTERY
CHECKMATE
?
Imagine playing chess with an unknown person.
A black pawn advances a square. A few hours
later, a white bishop cuts diagonally. The next day,
a black knight performs the signature L-shaped
maneuver. The match lasts several days, even
stretching into weeks. The opponents? A series
of Jane and John Does vs Conrad Nedelec.
Conrad is a staff member at Elim Village Garrison
Crossing who holds fond memories of playing
chess with his Opa. When board games began
to appear in the Chehalis Café & Lounge in The
Hawthorn, he noticed the absence of a chess
set, but quickly rectified this. Then he began to
envision a communal chess match, but now the
conundrum; how on earth would that work?
Through some testing, he devised a series
of signs to inaugurate the first “Play Against
Conrad” chess match. Conrad plays white, and
his mysterious opponent(s) plays black. Once
he’s played, Conrad flips a sign which says, Your
Move: Flip me when you have made your move. At
the time of writing, the winner of this inaugural
mystery match has yet to be determined, but if
you’re ever visiting The Hawthorn, jump in on
the fun! It’s an inclusive match, open to all.
“Every time Ryley leaves, he always says, goodbye
grandma, I love you,” Pat says, her smile as warm
as the music dancing around her. “And I always
make sure to say, I love you, too.”
12 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2022
WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 13

It’s that time of year when we give and receive.
There are presents beautifully wrapped, ready under
the tree for eager recipients. At Christmas, it’s fair
to say there’s an expectancy of reciprocity (even if
unconscious); spouses gift presents to one another,
children to parents and vice versa. Maybe you’re like
my family, who’s opted to pull names from a hat. I may
not know who pulled my name, but I know at least one
of the gifts under the tree has my name on it.
THE BLESSING
OF GIVING
WRITTEN BY
KATRINA LAROY,
STAFF CONTRIBUTOR
Have you ever received a gift that you weren’t
expecting? It’s not Christmas, or your birthday; maybe
the gift comes mid-year, on just another Thursday. It’s
freely given, without anything expected in return.
At ELIM, there’s an incredible current of giving—of
selfless giving—that flows year-round. People gift their
time, money, and talents. Some gifts are of material
goods, much like a present, and we do a lot of this
kind of giving as an organization. For example, did you
know that once our office laptops have completed
their life cycle, we donate them to our technology
partner, Scout, who refurbishes and transports them
to Guatemala? These laptops enable schoolchildren
to learn valuable skills, improving their career
opportunities and altering the outlook of their lives.
Did you know that medical mattresses have been sent
overseas to Nigeria? Infection control measures are
strict in Canadian long-term care settings, and even
a small tear can compromise the safety of vulnerable
residents. With proper mending, however, these Full
Care mattresses are still very valuable. Nigeria has
also been the recipient country of nursing supplies,
wheelchairs, and walkers.
Then there’s our appliances. These also have a predetermined
life cycle within our suites. The easy thing
to do would be to haul them to a scrap yard after their
lifespan; it takes time and effort to coordinate a more
intentional drop-off to recipients in need. Habitat for
Humanity and farmers in the Sumas Prairie whose
homes were destroyed by flooding are just some of
the recipients of our appliances—no strings attached.
The list goes on. Updates to our buildings provide an
Guatemalans also enjoy donations
of resident-knitted blankets!
opportunity to donate furniture. Local care homes
have benefitted from these gifts, including the several
dozen tables and chairs donated from The Emerald
Assisted Living a few years ago. These examples only
just barely dip into the current of giving happening all
around, all year long; I haven’t even mentioned the
selfless giving of time, talents, and money; let’s now
turn to that.
There are so many events in our villages that seek to
benefit others; events spearheaded or supported by
residents. You’ll recall the wonderful report on the
Estate & Garage Sale that gifted 30% of proceeds
to Ukraine refugees. More recently, the Artisan
Christmas Market held in Fleetwood had several
vendor tables benefitting charities. At the end of
November, The Emerald held its own market, where
all proceeds were donated to the Surrey Foodbank.
Residents worked for months knitting, sewing, making
soaps, baking, and using their talents to give back.
Then there are the many, many residents who gift
their time. There are countless volunteers in our
midst, both those who volunteer within our villages
and those who volunteer elsewhere: Gleaners, Prison
Ministry, Thrift Stores. The list is lengthy of those
freely giving of their time to benefit their communities.
Resident Ken Barkman rides his bike to raise
money for the BC Children's Hospital
One extraordinary example of this is resident Ken
Barkman, who lives at Elim Village Garrison Crossing.
Ken has a goal to raise $25,000 for the BC Children’s
Hospital Foundation by year’s end. He’s combined
his love of cycling with his desire to give back to
a cause close to his heart. With four adopted
grandsons who, over the years, have required the
incredible care and support provided by this hospital,
he decided to use his time and energy to make a
difference. So far this year he’s ridden 3,645km to
help raise funds. He plans to continue to cycle and
fundraise as long as physically able, with an ultimate
goal of raising $100,000.
It's incredible. This river of selfless giving flows wide
and deep. And although there’s no thank-you gift
under the tree with their name on it, I suspect many
in our villages have personal life experience that, “it
is more blessed to give than to receive.” What is
the blessing that comes? Very likely joy; a sense of
purpose and meaning. And the quiet fulfillment that
comes from acts of giving, done unto others, but
also unto God.
Do you have (or know) of a story that exemplifies
the blessedness of giving? Please get in touch – I’d
love to hear it.
14 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2022 WINTER 2022 THE ELIM CONNECTION 15

IN LOVING MEMORY
THE PRECIOUS GIFT
FROM SEPTEMBER 6 TH to DECEMBER 5 TH , 2022
* Resident has a spouse living at Elim Village ^ Prior IL or AL resident
WRITTEN BY
JEAN PRANTNER, RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR
FULL CARE
Marg Ballard * ^
Joyce Breedyk
William Brown
Barbara Carleton
Wei Chen
Eleanor Christie
Joyce Conners ^
Frank Fischer
Bob Gracey
Albert Harskamp ^
Doreen Hayden
Dorothy Krause
Inga Ladwig ^
Mary Magnus
Martha Park ^
Roseline Richards
Dorothy Rolfe
Joe Stam
John Thomson
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Pat Fevang *
Ed Forrieter
Theo Gesink
John MacDonald *
ASSISTED LIVING
Bill Kellerman ^
Mary Terweg ^
“No room,” they heard the Innkeeper say. But a stable was near where this couple could stay.
To the young woman very weary and worn, in this humble dwelling her Baby was born.
Not in a castle befitting a King, only a barn (For the One who owned everything?)
In royal robes He was not arrayed, but in swaddling clothes, and in a manger laid.
Shepherds keeping watch o’er their flocks at night, quaked with fear in the beams of heavenly light.
“Fear not,” the angel said and then, a chorus of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth
peace, good will toward men!”
Do you wonder as I on that night long ago, about these events? What did young Mary know?
Did she know the Babe she held close to her breast, was the One in whom the world would be blessed?
Did she know that division would also increase because of Him, the Prince of Peace?
Was, in the midst of her joy, a flutter of pain? Of some future sorrow she couldn’t explain?
Mary pondered things that she kept in her heart, that Scripture reveals only in part.
She was chosen by God as the one to bring, into the world the Lord Jesus, Saviour, and King!
With Him comes love, joy, forgiveness and so, what things more wonderful are there to know?
Unto you this day is born in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
16 THE ELIM CONNECTION WINTER 2022

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
WRITTEN BY
RON PIKE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Do you remember the song “This Little Light of Mine”? I still have
vivid memories from my childhood of when I would sing this song
at the top of my lungs in Mrs. Kemp’s Grade 1 Sunday School class.
Although it’s a simple song, it has a powerful message that has stuck
with me throughout my life.
The lyrics speak of allowing the light within us to shine, which first
recognizes that there’s a light there to begin with, and second that
something must be done with it; the light must shine. This provides a
perspective from which to live by, and for me, it spurred on a desire
to be someone who makes a positive difference in the world. In a
community like ELIM, that has so many people from this heritage,
there’s little wonder that we see so many great things happening.
Individuals and groups living out their faith, giving of their time,
energy, talents, and resources to help and support others.
At this time of the year we celebrate the greatest light to ever
shine, Jesus’, whose life is an example for all humanity. His light is a
timeless testament to how we should live: a life of purpose, a life
of connection, a life of giving to others. I’m thankful to be a part of
a community that follows this example and demonstrates it in such
tangible ways.
LIGHT IT UP!
Blessings to each of you, your families, and the communities you
are a part of this Christmas Season!
(Top row) GC residents came out in style to
the first edition of this campus-wide event.
(Bottom row & circles) FW residents enjoyed
hot treats and a performance inside The
Oasis before gathering in front of the wintry
pond. What beautiful memories!

A UNIQUE CHRISTIAN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
9025 160 Street
Surrey, BC V4N 2X7
Phone 604.583.3546 Email info@elimvillage.com
www.elimvillage.com